The journalist Samir Ragab, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Gomhuria newspaper, received a delegation from the Arab Union of Customs Brokers headed by Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai in Cairo.
The meeting discussed several issues and challenges related to customs brokers, introduced the union, its goals, activities, and the steps it has taken recently through communication with entities, institutions, companies, and individuals across Arab countries.
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai highlighted that the union has begun implementing positive steps for customs brokers, including:
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Designating May 5th of every year as Arab Customs Broker Day
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Preparing to launch an electronic portal to provide appropriate information and connect customs brokers with customs ports, maritime authorities, the Ministry of Commerce, ports, and all related bodies
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Signing a number of agreements with Arab customs authorities
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Offering workshops and training courses
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Establishing an Academy of Customs Sciences
Mr. Samir praised these initiatives and inquired about the qualifications required for customs brokers.
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai explained that a customs broker must hold a higher education degree, have a clean criminal record, and have completed a customs training course. He also emphasized that the union sets conditions for membership, as affiliated members enjoy several privileges.
This prompted the journalist to commend Dr. Al-Rifai’s defense of customs brokers, noting that media and journalism seek the truth, which is essential. He added that information must be verified, and sometimes news is adjusted due to a lack of initial data.
The journalist pointed out that customs often bear the brunt of blame, although customs authorities are performing their duties while other sectors cause delays. Customs act as an implementing authority, not a legislative one. He noted that media is now the main platform for information dissemination, though it has its drawbacks.
He also expressed his opinion that the union is a new, organized system with a clear vision focused on supporting and developing customs brokers by clarifying information to aid executive bodies.
At the end, journalist Samir Ragab thanked Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai for taking the initiative and clarifying the information, stressing that journalism’s responsibility is to seek the truth even if it involves setbacks. He promised to clarify and support customs brokers in an upcoming article.
The meeting was attended on behalf of the Arab Union of Customs Brokers by Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, President of the Union; Ms. Rana El Gamal, Director of the President’s Office; Mr. Mohamed Fathy, Director of Public Relations; and Ms. Mariana Mahfouz, Director of the Union’s Media Sector.
